Thinking based on who deserves what blocks compassionate communication.

NVC self-forgiveness: connecting with the need we were trying to meet when we took the action that we now regret.

The only time a message (label) can scare us is if we think there is such a thing, and that such a thing is a disgrace.

We need empathy to give empathy. When we sense ourselves being defensive or unable to empathize, we need to (a) stop, breathe, give ourselves empathy, (b) scream nonviolently, or (c) take time out.

As soon as you say, "are you feeling X because I ..." Then the Jackal starts to salivate because he can educate the person that he's the cause of his pain.

If we want to make meetings productive, we need to keep track of those whose requests are on the table.

Blaming and punishing others are superficial expressions of anger.